This section is 10.9 miles (17.4km) long - a map of it can be downloaded below.
There is a useful walking guide 'Explore London's Rural River Thames', to the part of this section of the Thames Path from Hampton Court to Teddington that can be downloaded from our publications page or ordered from the National Trails office.
This section is remarkably varied and includes vast reservoirs, an old racecourse, a royal palace and smart Kingston. It is the last non-tidal stretch of the Path as beyond Teddington Lock the River Thames is tidal.
Choice of Routes
From Shepperton Lock there's a choice of routes depending on whether the ferry is operating. If it is, you can cross the river and follow the towpath on the south bank; if not then there is a primarily road route that takes you north to cross on Walton Bridge.
Reservoirs and Racecourse
Passing enormous reservoirs providing water for the capital, you eventually reach the green space of Hurst Park where horses raced from 1890 to 1962. Across the river stands Garrick's Temple built by the actor David Garrick to house a statue of Shakespeare in 1756.
Royal Connections
Hampton Court Palace and its Home Park, built by Cardinal Wolsey and added to by Henry VIII and William and Mary, dominate the river and enhance the Path as far as Kingston Bridge. Kingston has its own association with kings, and continues today as a Royal Borough having been a favoured crowning place for Anglo-Saxon kings.
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